Apple to install Baidu AI on its iPhone 16 and other products in China, report says
- Apple will use its own AI model outside China but turn to locally-built technology for the mainland
- The development comes amid Apple chief executive Tim Cook’s visit to China, during which he opened a new retail store in Shanghai
US tech giant Apple has picked Chinese search engine giant Baidu to provide the generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology for its coming iPhone 16 and other products in the mainland market this year, according to a Chinese media report.
Apple will use Baidu’s Ernie Bot for its iPhone 16, Mac OS and iOS 18 in China, after it also held talks with other Chinese companies including Alibaba Group Holding, which owns the Post, and an AI company affiliated with Tsinghua University, according to a report on Monday by China Star Market, a media outlet under Shanghai United Media Group.
Apple will use its own AI model outside China but turn to locally-built technology for the mainland market based on compliance considerations, the report said, citing anonymous sources.
Baidu’s share price in Hong Kong surged by as much as 6 per cent on Monday morning, closing at HK$100.7 for the day, up 2.55 per cent. Baidu declined to comment on the report. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The local media article followed a report on Friday by the Wall Street Journal that said Apple had held initial talks with search engine giant Baidu to use the Chinese firm’s generative AI on its iPhone and other products in China.
The development comes amid Apple chief executive Tim Cook’s visit to China, during which he opened a new retail store in Shanghai and met with key Chinese suppliers to refresh his commitment to the country as a market and manufacturing base.
